Private sector job demand continues to rise

Demand for staff and job creation both grew in February, suggesting signs of improvement for the job market, according to HR Magazine.

The ‘Report on Jobs’, published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG, found “strong and accelerated rises” in the recruitment of both permanent and temporary staff.

Perm appointments rose at their fastest rate since April 2010, and temporary assignments were filled at a rate not experienced since May 2007. Hourly pay rates also increased.

Kevin Green, the REC’s chief executive, pointed out in HR Zone that the UK is seeing a “two-speed labour marker” where the private sector accelerates ahead of the public sector.

Recruitment in the IT, engineering and construction and the executive/professional industries saw the greatest rise, which is encouraging news for those who might be searching for admin jobs in London.

The only fall in permanent job demand was seen in the nursing, medical and social care category.

While the REC said it expected companies to be cautious about hiring during the next year due to the slowing of economic growth, a survey undertaken by a national employment consultancy showed contrary results.

It found that “a small majority” of UK businesses said they were planning to recruit additional staff in the next three months.